The Mega Millions Lottery is changing: What you should know about the new version
Mega Millions is changing its format starting April 8, 2025, with a price increase, new prize structure, and enhanced odds. The update promises bigger jackpots, more frequent wins, and a new built-in multiplier feature.
Mega Millions is about to undergo a major transformation, starting on April 8, 2025. The popular lottery game will introduce several exciting changes that could make the next drawing even more enticing for players. From ticket price increases to new ways to win, these updates are designed to shake up the experience.
While details about the new game structure are still emerging, players can expect some significant adjustments. The changes are set to increase the chances of winning and offer bigger jackpots, but how exactly will the game evolve? Keep reading to learn more about what’s in store for Mega Millions fans.
What are the changes for Mega Millions?
Beginning with the April 8 drawing, Mega Millions ticket prices will rise from $2 to $5.
The game will also introduce a new prize matrix, as detailed below:
The new changes for the Mega Millions lottery. Photo: Mega Millions.
Additionally, the popular $1 "Multiplier" add-on feature will be discontinued. Instead, tickets will now include a "built-in multiplier." The "Just the Jackpot" feature, available in certain areas, will also be retired under the new changes.
Other adjustments to the game include:
- Improved overall odds – The chances of winning any prize will improve to 1 in 23, up from 1 in 24, due to the removal of one gold Mega Ball.
- Better jackpot odds – The odds of winning the jackpot will improve to 1 in 290,472,336, compared to 1 in 302,575,350, thanks to the removal of one Mega Ball. The new version will feature 24 Mega Balls instead of the current 25.
- Higher starting jackpots – After a jackpot win, the new starting jackpot will be $50 million, up from the current $20 million.
- Faster-growing and bigger jackpots – Jackpots will grow more quickly and reach higher amounts more often. The Mega Millions Consortium expects the average jackpot in the new game to exceed $800 million, compared to around $450 million with the current game.
- 2X-10X prize increase with built-in random multiplier – All non-jackpot wins will automatically multiply their base prize by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X. Prizes in the new game will range from $10 to $10 million, compared to $2 to $1 million in the current version.
- Winning more than the cost to play – With a minimum prize of $10, every winning ticket will pay out at least double the $5 cost to play. In the current game, the minimum prize and the cost to play are both $2.
When do these changes take effect for Mega Millions?
The final drawing for the current Mega Millions format will be held on Friday, April 4. The first drawing under the new prize structure will take place on Tuesday, April 8, at 10 p.m. CT.
"Unless someone wins the jackpot in the April 4 drawing, the jackpot from the current game will carry over into the new game and continue to grow with ticket sales," the release explained.
Mega Millions is available in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while Powerball is also sold in Puerto Rico. Powerball has stated that it does not plan to increase ticket prices.